Amaechi, Aliyu seek more funds for councils

Oct 16, 2011- Local governments can only play their vital  roles in the transformation agenda when the current revenue allocation formula is reviewed. 

This was the view of Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Honourable Rotimi Amaechi. 

He spoke during the inauguration of newly elected local government chairmen in Minna, the capital of Niger State, over the weekend. 

Amaechi, who is also Governor of Rivers State, said no transformation can be attained without grassroots administration. 

He spoke as special guest at the inauguration. 

According to him, the current revenue allocation must be revisited for councils to perform better.  

Amaechi urged the council chairmen to work harmoniously with the state government in achieving the transformation project. 

The Chairman, Northern Governors Forum and Niger state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, also noted that the councils will require more allocations to function better. 

Aliyu said the roles of the third tier of government are better achieved when there adequate funds to meet them. 

Citing the new minimum wage, Aliyu said unless the revenue sharing formula is reviewed, they (local government) may not be able to pay the new national minimum wage approved by the federal government.

Governor Aliyu pointed that with a work force of 60, 000 comprising the state and local government staff, the state alone will require the sum of N2.5 Billion to pay their salaries, exclusive to the local government councils. 

He urged the newly sworn in chairmen to renew determination in serving the people by being accountable in all their actions.

He tasked them to be prudent and avoid incurring unnecessary loans in running their councils.

The State Police Command confirmed that three persons died while 10 were arrested following some skirmishes that erupted before, during and after last Saturday local government elections.